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my cable options are limited, but the restaraunt ( Bar ) where I spend all my time and money gets about every station available, I'd hope they wouldn't mind if I watched a little TV in there while drinking a few beverages.
jeff
If anyone knows of any others, I'd like to know about them too.
Greg from Southern Indiana
4x4 TV
AND PUSHING HER IS NOT AN OPTION :P
You'd probably spend between $2-4K to change the front r&p and fit a D44 in the rear.
Assuming your vehicle is properly serviced and within specs, your gas mileage will be completely under the influence of your right foot. The long established tried and true methods work very effectively.
However, a Wrangler is not an economic vehicle for long distance commuting, and never has been. Poor aerodynamics contribute greatly and there's little to be done about that except driving more slowly, preferably below 45 mph, which is impracticable on a regular commute.
I do doubt very much that my next vehicle will be any sort of truck though, it will be something that gets at least 30mpg on the highway. Might keep the Jeep as a second vehicle.
And actually, if you incorporate the tax money we are currently throwing into our oh-so-fruitful Middle East policy, we Americans are paying about $7/gal.
you could pick up a small car / better gas mileage for commuting / keep the jeep for your fun driving.
jeff
SORRY MY CAPS IS BROKE :P
I advise getting them fixed. People tend to ignore messages typed in ALL CAPS.
tidester, host
So you joined this forum today just to start an argument? I don't think so! You're obviously a regular here (if not actually 'myboyblue'), so use your regular name if you have something to say that you want to be taken seriously.
Thats not very encouraging. Is the problem D-C resistance? Do they underpay dealers for warranty work? Most dealers from whom I've bought cars from are pretty cooperative since warranty work is added shop revenue. If there's any vehicle on the planet that should have all the bugs worked out, it should be the Wrangler. Is there anywhere on the web I can research the quality of Jeep warranty support more?
If you have been here a while you'll know that the atmosphere here is one of friendly conversation, which is a contrast to the forums on some other sites.
You said in your earlier post "This is the internet.........Dig?", so I would assume that you are aware of the normal rules of etiquette that you don't shout (and ALL CAPS is universally recognized as shouting), and it wouldn't be usual to make your first post an aggressive challenge to one of the forum hosts. The suggestion was made that 'myboyblue' should fix his caps lock problem, not replace his computer.
It doesn't bother me that you make personal insults in your second post, "If you want to be taken seriously stop acting like a jerk.", but it does contravene the agreement you made with Edmunds when you asked permission to post here.
How about making your third post a positive contribution to this forum?
Let's get back to the Wrangler, shall we?
Steve, Host
Ramsey make good winches but they don't have as good a reputation for customer service as Warn do. My winch of choice is a MileMarker 9000lb two speed hydraulic. The winch on my H1 is a factory fitted 12000lb electric Warn, but it comes from the industrial series, rather than the recreational one. If I was buying an electric winch for a Wrangler I'd probably get a Warn 8274.
Drivetrain problems I've had on my '98 with 79K miles on it: needed a new coil at 45K or thereabouts, leaking rear differential at 55K, leaking pinion seal at the rear differential at 70K. None covered under warranty since the 98s only have the 3/36 warranty.
Other non-drivetrain stuff: leaking radiator at 70K, intermittently dead gauges at 30K (covered), the aforementioned cracked exhaust manifold for quite a while that I finally just fixed, can't remember what else.
I'd say the vehicle has been a B overall on reliability. The manifold is the only one that really bugs me since DC denied it was a common issue so strenuously when I spoke to them on the phone. Gal got real quiet when I told her the dealer mechanics had confirmed to me "all Jeeps get that" as if I didn't know it already. I'm sure DC called the dealership afterwards up to explain the necessity of denying any knowledge of a bad manifold design. Mtngal, do you ever sign up on that class action lawsuit on the manifolds?
DC's behavior on the cracked manifolds has been sufficiently irresponsible to make it highly unlikely I would ever buy another DC vehicle.
I'm not defending DC here, though I do think it's unrealistic to expect a new manifold on seven year old vehicle, but I think you could find behavior that you'd see as irresponsible from every vehicle manufacturer if you look hard enough. It's a shame that it would preclude you from ever buying another Wrangler.
and here's a Hydraulic MM like mine installed on a Rubicon:
and here's an article on how the installation was done:
Rubicon/MM
So yes, I think DC has acted shoddily with the manifolds. If just mine had cracked, so be it. I would expect nothing from DC. But everyone's cracked and they kept the design for nearly a decade anyway. And by everyone I mean everyone--I hang out with the Jeep crowd and don't know anyone with a Cherokee or Wrangler who didn't get it on the 4.0L engine. Way higher percentages than the Ford head gasket numbers.
So yeah, maybe it's a shame, but it turns me off to DC in a big way. I'm sure there are a lot of other Jeep owners who feel the same way. So be it. Apparently accounting feels it's an acceptable loss, like with the JGC rotors issue. I called them more to let them know that their indifference would cost them at least one repeat customer. I got off relatively light in terms of expense on this repair--it's their attitude towards everyone that bugs me.
Jeeps are great, unique vehicles with a rich past. This is the second Wrangler I've owned in a row, I had a '94 YJ before this. Doesn't mean I'll put up with anything though.
I think it's a case of picking your battles. On a macro level the loss of one Jeep sale is negligible to DC, but it'll represent the loss of a large chunk of potential enjoyment to you. Sometimes it's better to swallow a perceived injustice if the overall result is to your ultimate benefit.
I disagree. One bad experience posted on the web can turn off many prospective buyers. D-C makes a lot more than the cost of a manifold relacement on a Wrangler sale. In the past car makers covered chronic engine troubles routinely to avoid bad PR and alienated buyers. This discussion has sure cooled my Jeep buying jets. I'm gonna do more digging on reliability and D-C support. There are just too many bullet-proof alternatives out there to settle for mediocrity. This is especially true since, at $25K+ MSRP, its not like a Wrangler Unlimited is a cheap vehicle that you might expect lousy after-sale treatment with.
BTW, most cars have an EPA-mandated extended warranty covering emission-related components for more than the normal drivetrain. Sure seems to me the manifold is a major component there. Did you check your emissions system warranty booklet? On my Audi, even the turbos are covered in the emissions warranty 'til 80K miles.
I'm afraid I don't see the quality of the Wrangler as mediocre, and I'm certainly not aware of a bullet proof alternative, let alone an equivalent.
I think we'll have to agree to disagree. :shades:
Ah, that's the rub, isn't it? But knowing that the company will not pay you the least bit of mind further than their lawyers tell them is legally necessary decreases my enjoyment. So if everyone's transmissions fall out at 40K miles, good luck with it, we're not responsible and anyway we're not aware of it being a widespread problem. Or the dealership tells you it's "normal."
I am not a hardcore Jeep defender and after driving Wranglers for over a decade now it's unlikely I would pick another to be my daily driver anyway, I'd like to shift back to driving a car, maybe keeping the Jeep as a weekend toy. I always have to have at least one convertible in the stable . If asked about Wranglers from someone else, though--someone considering buying one for the first time--I'd tell them the following: "look, I've been driving them for 10+ years now. The TJs are much easier to live with than the YJs. It's got loads of character and it is as fun to take offroad or drive around town with the doors off as it looks. The 4.0L is a great, very durable engine that you may get 250K miles out of, though it's a bit thirsty. But it can be a bit wearing to live with as a daily driver, it's no sedan or even pickup truck. And be aware that Chrysler will not stand behind it if there is any serious design flaw. They will deny the problem even exists. They did with the exhaust manifold, even when nearly 100% of owners had it crack. So keep that in mind when making your purchase."
None of that would deter the Jeep faithful apparently, but it may deter a lot of other folks. It's all good. I'm not telling people not to buy Jeeps, just telling them the facts. It's no Honda as far as reliability is concerned. It's about average for an American car. Better than my friends who drive VWs, worse than those that drive Toyos and Hondas. DC is content with that and not going any extra mile for the customer. We can all see how well this strategy has been working for the Big 2.5 as of late--their share of the market just keeps dropping. And I'll probably do my small part to contribute to that decline when I buy my next new car.
yes, and spoke to DC. That covers your catalytic converter and that's it, as far as they are concerned.
I wouldn't disagree with your description, except that the above should be amended to read ".........be aware that Chrysler may not stand behind it after the warranty period if there is any serious design flaw."
Don't forget that ultimately, the warranty service you receive depends as much on the dealership and your relationship with them. Some dealers will go above and beyond, while others will make you wonder how they stay in business.
Covers the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as well.
I previously owned three Mitsu Monteros and explored a good part of the Southwest with them. IMO they define bullet-proof. I'm not into rock-crawling; just looking for an alternative to the current crop of $40K "SUVs" for dependable trail use. I do hope the Wrangler Unlimited is it, because I like the look and utility; but for $25+K, I do expect more than Jeep mystique.
I'm not necessarily trying to steer anyone away from an Unlimited, and be aware that this manifold design has been changed since 2000. As far as I know, the cracked headers are no longer a common problem. You should definitely still consider a Wrangler. I stand by my praise of the 4.0L I-6 engine itself, there are few truck engines as durable on the market today. There is just some other stuff to consider is all.
Next question, if I keep the current 30" tire and Ravine (15") wheels, can I step the tires up a size or two without rubbing or having to make any modifications? Can I go to 31.0? I'm thinking about Bridgestone Dueler Revo's.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Steve
And remember, let's be careful out there.
31" tires measure approximately 31" in diameter regardless of the size of the wheel they're made to fit. So yes, they'll fit your RME 'X' on a Moab or a Ravine, though you may have to fit a washer or two under the steering stops.............it varies from vehicle to vehicle.
So you joined this forum today just to start an argument? I don't think so! You're obviously a regular here (if not actually 'myboyblue'), so use your regular name if you have something to say that you want to be taken seriously.
Did I miss something today? Someone mad? Sorry Steve I guess I should have explaned better. I spilled coffee on my keyboard at work this morning and all I could get was caps. Also Mac I have used my name in past posts, didn't know the regs didn't like it if you didn't leave your name.
P.S. Gas went back down to 2.29 today so I feel a little better.
Thanks
Jamie
I own both a '98 Wrangler Sport and a '04 Unlimited. The Sport was the first Jeep I had ever owned (purchased new), and I bought an extended (100,000 mile - years never matter to me) warranty that I never used. Yes, my manifold failed, and yes, I did sign up on the web site for the class action suit. My manifold failed after 100,000 miles on the odo, and it took me to 115,000 before I bothered to get it repaired. However, that one problem didn't stop me from buying another Wrangler.
In fact, based on my experience with the Sport, I didn't bother buying an extended warranty for the Unlimited, and wouldn't have even if the drivetrain was only 35,000 miles. The Unlimited has not had a problem (barring the auto dimming mirror doing sort-of weird things for a while, then clearing up on its own) so far and it's got over 48,000 miles so far. I think the 2000 Tacoma (we hated and finally sold last year) ended up needing a new radiator somewhere around 50,000 miles or so, so the Unlimited isn't any worse than our old Toyota.
Yes, the gas mileage isn't a high point for this vehicle - and our gas is now over $2.50 for 87 octane, so those of you further east should be grateful. Our commute of 150 miles round trip might not be as much as Jamie's 180 commute, but it's bad enough. Would I get another Wrangler? Absolutely! Are we considering cars or vehicles that get great gas mileage? Absolutely! But I'm not in any rush to replace the Sport - it runs great and was paid off a long time ago. And I'm willing to keep buying gas because I love the Unlimited that much...
Steve, Host
It seems to me that if these were dealer-installed options (which sounds like the case), any adjustments to correct the speedo/odo should have been done by them as well. I'm not an attorney, barrister or anything of that sort (remember, I'm the magnet guy!), but logically "Joe Public" would have no inclination to doubt his factory speedo/odo calibration for a new vehicle purchased from a reputable dealer. What if a little old lady had purchased your Jeep (highly unlikely, I know) - - I'm guessing she'd be ticked off when she got a ticket for driving 66 is a 60 zone especially when her speedo showed 60! It's very doubtful that she would've questioned her new vehicle's calibration....
I'd side with you in this case, given that they were dealer-installed options. If you had modified them yourself or with another shop, then that would be a different story. This is all just my opinion, of course. "Your actual mileage may vary..."
Gary
The only suggestion would be to follow the old woodworking adage: "measure twice, cut (or in this case, drill) once".
It was a blast to drive, not quite as agile as the jeep.
No more branches to scrape my jeep, only scratches will be trail rash.
Jeff
see I got the word jeep in there a couple times,,,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/jeff62301/2005%208%20firetruck/DSCF1723Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/jeff62301/2005%208%20firetruck/DSCF1730Medium.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v603/jeff62301/2005%208%20firetruck/DSCF1734Medium.jpg
Steve, Host